James Van Der Beek pens emotional note to his father for 'life-saving' support amid cancer battle

James Van Der Beek’s post for his father comes two months after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023
UPDATED JAN 26, 2025
James Van Der Beek shared a heartfelt post for his father - James William Van Der Beek - for helping him amid his cancer battle (@vanderjames/Instagram)
James Van Der Beek shared a heartfelt post for his father - James William Van Der Beek - for helping him amid his cancer battle (@vanderjames/Instagram)

AUSTIN, TEXAS: James Van Der Beek is showing gratitude for his father, former baseball player James William Van Der Beek, for his “life-affirming” help during his difficult cancer battle.

The 47-year-old actor took to his Instagram on Saturday, January 25, to pen a heartfelt message dedicated to his father on the occasion of his birthday where he reflected on his “life-saving” support. 

Taking to his Instagram, the actor posted the emotional message while thanking his father for how he “moved through everything cancer brings up," as reported by Daily Mail.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames)


 

James Van Der Beek pens heartfelt post for his father

On Saturday, the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum dedicated the note to his father penning, “The way you have shown up when I've been down and out this year — without having to ask, without the expectation of even a thank you... has not just been life-saving, but life-affirming.”

The actor continued, “Moving onto the ranch for when I'm away for treatment,” before elaborating, “Making lunches, making fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids, even taking care of the dogs and chicken.”

“Neither of which you ever wanted and would just as soon never had,” the actor added poignantly before revealing that he is "blown away" by how his father has been there for him emotionally as he “moved through everything cancer brings up.”

PARK CITY, UTAH - APRIL 01: James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge presented by Alphapals, Barefoot Dreams and the St. Regis Deer Valley on April 01, 2023 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile)
James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge presented by Alphapals, Barefoot Dreams and the St Regis Deer Valley on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile)

Van Der Beek continued, reflecting on the situation, “I know it's outside your comfort zone, but especially since Mom died, you have come through for me again and again and again in ways that I didn't even know how much I needed.”

“Watching you evolve, seeing what kind of man and father you are... gives me more confidence in myself than I could ever express,” he added, before declaring, “I feel so proud and lucky to have come from you.”

Gratified, the actor added, “Thank you for being the best. Ever. Period.”

He concluded the post by hilariously adding, “And I will keep my promise that we won't ever ask you to change Jeremiah's diapers," and signed off, writing, "I love you, Dad."

Two-year-old Jeremiah is the youngest child of the actor with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek. Apart from Jeremiah, the long-time couple is also parents to their other five children - daughters Olivia, 14, Annabel, 10, Emilia, eight, Gwendolyn, six, and son Joshua, 12. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames)


 

Along with his emotional post, James Van Der Beek also shared a series of photos including one of the elder Van Der Beek posing with his many grandchildren. In another snapshot, his father posed with his daughter-in-law Kimberly. 

James Van Der Beek revealed he has stage 3 colorectal cancer

Van Der Beek’s emotional post for his father came two months after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in August 2023.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by People Magazine (@people)


 

The actor shared in November 2024, “I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

“There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good,” shared ‘The Real Full Monty’ star.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025